THIS DAWN — Fresh fears have gripped residents of Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State following reports that gunmen abducted a farmer on Sunday, barely two weeks after dozens of worshippers kidnapped from a church in the area regained their freedom.
According to community sources, the latest victim was seized while working on his farmland along the Eruku–Koro axis.
Locals say the route has become increasingly unsafe due to constant incursions by suspected bandits.
The attack, which occurred on Sunday, November 30, has further inflamed security concerns.
Eruku area is already on high alert after repeated waves of kidnappings targeting farming settlements and rural worship centres.
Residents told reporters that the gunmen, who have been operating with “disturbing boldness” in recent weeks, whisked the farmer away into a nearby forest after firing sporadic shots.
Short-lived celebration of returned worshippers
The development comes just days after the community celebrated the return of Eruku 38 worshippers who were abducted earlier this month.
The congregants were abducted during a church service at a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) assembly in the area.
The worshippers were released after days in captivity, a situation that sparked outrage and renewed calls for urgent security intervention.
The earlier attack on the CAC church saw heavily armed men storm a prayer gathering, herding worshippers into the bush.
The attack was described by observers as one of the most traumatic incidents in the community’s recent memory
It prompted a massive manhunt by local vigilantes and security agencies.
Their eventual release provided brief relief, but the fresh abduction has revived fears that the criminal networks remain active and unchallenged.
Meanwhile, security officials have yet to issue an official statement confirming the Sunday abduction.
Residents, however, insist the incident occurred and have appealed for immediate government action.
They warn that the community is “on edge” and that many farmers are now afraid to return to the fields.
They also raise concerns about food supply and economic stability.
As Eruku battles a growing wave of insecurity, locals are urging both the state government and federal authorities to deploy more personnel and restore confidence in the once-peaceful border community.
